AP Environmental Science students conducted a rather exciting lab where they were able to determine the quality of an unknown soil sample. By using a Rapitest Soil Test Kit, they explored different properties to determine whether the soil was fertile or poor, developing extremely crucial insights in regard to environmental sustainability.
The lab started with students gathering soil from any location: backyards, parks, schools, etc. “This lab is fun. I got to collect dirt,” said Tristian Wong, 12. With samples in hand, students headed back to their classroom to test for parameters such as pH levels, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. These tests help them understand the concept of vital nutrients required in soil to support plant life.
“This information is very useful,” said Jaeden Kusuma, 12, who appreciated how the understanding of soil quality is not confined to a laboratory. Students picked up how poor land management can lead to environmental degradation, which in turn affects agriculture and biodiversity. The practical nature of this lab just enforced these ideas by showing real-world applications of their studies. “This is one of my favorite labs so far because it’s so hands-on,” said Kay Huang, 11. She, along with many others, appreciated the dynamic nature of the experiment.
By the end of the lab, the students expressed a higher appreciation for the science of soil and its association with environmental health. There were discussions about how soil quality affected farming and how human functions, such as pollution or deforestation, could lead to the depletion of soil of its required nutrients. Overall, the lab left students with a meaningful understanding of soil’s importance and the environmental impacts of its quality. It highlighted how simple tests can reveal crucial information about ecosystem health, inspiring students to consider how sustainable practices can protect this essential natural resource for future generations.
